On September 10, 2012 just one day prior to the anniversary of 9-1-1, a gathering and visitation was held in remembrance of a Marine who passed away this past Friday while serving his country. Private First Class Jonathon Crawford, age 19 was an avid Marine who had just graduated boot camp on Parris Island the morning of his horrific accident.The gathering and visitation took place at Amelia High School, where the flag was lowered to half-staff during the memorial service.

The details of the accidental death are still hazy, but it appears as though PFC Crawford was reported to of last been seen swimming about 40 yards from the beach, just south of the lighthouse. After losing sight of PFC, a family member made the dreaded 911 phone call. Apparently, the family decided to stay at the beach for the weekend after graduation, where PFC Crawford got caught up in a rip current and it swept him off his feet. According to Col. Neil Baxley at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, “they were struggling to get on their feet and the young man was unable to regain his balance before the rip current pulled him out and pulled him under.” His body was found around 5:25 p.m.

His friends say that it was PFC Crawford’s dream to become a United States Marine. It is disheartening and earth shattering to lose someone. This young man was exceptional; he volunteered to serve his country only to lose his life the day he graduated from boot camp.

If the unthinkable happens in yours or someone you love’s life, call the experienced accidental and wrongful death accident attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP. Our seasoned litigators have over 75 years combined trial experience. Our team of personal injury attorneys include former insurance defense lawyers, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former criminal prosecutor. We can investigate all aspects of a serious accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll free. We have offices in Charlotte and throughout South Carolina. We would be honored to have an opportunity to help you and your family get through this most difficult time in your lives. Hire the bestwrongful and accidental death attorneys in whom you have the most confidence in!

A mother and resident of Columbia S.C., has just been sentenced to 10 years in prison due to unlawful conduct toward her currently missing toddler/child. Judge Knox made his decision this past Friday for Zinah Jennings, after much contemplation and scrutinization of photos of the missing toddler, Amir Jennings and his left behind belongings. Knox’ punishment was to sentence the mother to 10 years in prison for “unlawful conduct towards a child.”

It took the jury only about 2.5 hours to reach their decision and find the mother negligent and guilty of the crime at large. It is stated that Zinah appeared to be emotionless as the jury handed in their verdict. Ironically, Zinah actually gave birth to her second child on the 6th day of the jury trial, and the fact-finders still found her guilty. Her attorney has taken the stance that no decision for an appeal will be made until he and his client discuss the options for the new child, the mother, and the alike.

Amir and Zinah Jennings were reported missing in early December by Zinah’s mother, Jocelyn Jennings, after Zinah had been involved in a single vehicle car accident in Columbia; however Amir was not stated to be with his mother at the time of the incident. Since then, Zinah has refused to tell the police where her son is, and is only reported to of said, “he is in a safe place.”

This statement has left everyone confused, as the police conducted a massive search from Atlanta, GA to Charlotte, NC in efforts to locate the missing toddler. Such investigation included reviews of cell phone records, an actual manhunt in Northern Richland, and calling on 41 witnesses discussing how Zinah treated Amir. Insomuch, it was reported by the witnesses that Zinah had been spotted kicking her son, squeezing him until he cried, and letting him wander in and out of a bank unsupervised, at less than 2 years of age.

The defense tried to rebut these statements with contrary witnesses whom states they had seen Amir “clean and happy on numerous occasions.” In fact, on Consignment store owner stated that she saw Zinah and Amir shopping in his store the week before Christmas. However, this statement was contrary to the police reports that state that the child was last seen on November 29. The defense also attempted to claim that Zinah was both pregnant and mentally ill during trial and before. However Knox did not buy this defense, as seen by the judgment.

As for the father of Amir, he is asking that Zinah Jennings be given the “maximum punishment.”

If the unthinkable happens in yours or your child’s life, call the experienced accident attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP. With offices in Columbia and throughout South Carolina, our child injury attorneys maintain a statewide practice. Our seasoned litigators have over 75 years combined trial experience. Our team of personal injury attorneys include former insurance defense lawyers, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former criminal prosecutor. We can investigate all aspects of a serious accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll free. We have offices in Charlotte and throughout South Carolina. We’re here to help.